Continuing the good work
One of the key growth areas in any region including Jammu and Kashmir can be the agriculture sector. During the past two years when the whole world was fighting the covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown across the globe was staring at out face, the only hope that kept people alive was self reliance.
It was here that a vibrant agricultural sector was felt to be of critical importance for all types of economies across the globe. Since we are a developing economy the contribution from the agricultural sector becomes all the more important.
A robust agricultural sector can not only contribute to the growth of economy but will inspire other sectors as well to surge ahead and leave a mark. But all this can be possible by adopting a broad approach taking Agriculture and allied sectors on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth.
The present government has created an enabling environment for transforming Agriculture and allied sectors here to increase the income of famers in line with the National targets, create jobs, ensure food security, speed up the economy and enhance the contribution of agriculture and allied sectors in the Gross Domestic Product of the UT.
During the past one year the reformative interventions made by the government has lead to sweeping changes in JK’s Agriculture sector. This has happened due to the integrated approach which included reducing input cost and increasing quality at pre-harvest stage and facilitation of farmers to link them with domestic and international markets.
All this is a unique and a new concept which was missing so far owing to a flawed growth in the agriculture sector.
Right now consistent efforts are being made to diversify the agriculture by bringing in credit, technology, extension to step up present growth rate; besides building capacities of farmers together with creating entrepreneurship; encouraging High Density Plantation; extending agricultural mechanization support and developing Market infrastructure.
The growth potential of Agriculture and Horticulture sector has started finding interest among potential investors. Surprisingly, the progress in the sector is attracting markets and entrepreneurs from outside Jammu and Kashmir and all this is happening for the first time.
Since this is a new beginning a planned follow up is also needed to increase the earning potential of the farming sector. For this the low remunerative crops need to be replaced with the high value cash crops.
Besides, a massive increase in the cultivation of organic and exotic vegetables also needs to be taken up so that the region grown beyond the limits.
Notably, the administration has achieved success by ensuring GI tagging of Saffron. Now the focus needs to be on in-organic certification of products like Basmati Rice and transportation of perishable products through air cargo to various domestic markets.
Though a lot has been achieved on this front too but lot more needs to be done by identifying some key products that can work wonders to help the agri-economy to grow and provide the much needed succor to the people of the region.
Jammu and Kashmir has unlimited products that can come under the ambit of exclusive and organic produce which will help them to lay claims on the big share of the market. This will also help these products to gain international recognition and earn revenues and create more jobs for the people.
KV Network
